Takeaway

• A new Social Security Administration (SSA) rule requires individuals to verify their identity online or in person at an SSA office for direct deposit changes

The Trump administration, working with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has introduced new rules regarding which services the Social Security Administration (SSA) can offer over the phone. To help prevent fraud, these rules will require people who need to change their direct deposit information to prove their identity online through a multistep, multifactor verification process that will provide them with a one-time PIN code. If they are unable to do this, then they will have to go to an SSA office to prove their identity.

What's Changed and Why

Starting April 14, 2025, the SSA was set to stop allowing new retirement or survivor benefit applications and direct deposit changes over the phone unless the caller was able to digitally verify their identity through the SSA's online my Social Security portal. Those who couldn't do this online were going to have to verify their identity in person at a field office.

Days before this change took effect, the SSA updated its stance, allowing most Social Security benefits applicants to apply by phone. However, recipients are no longer allowed to make direct deposit changes solely by phone. They must verify their identity online or in person.

The SSA says this step strengthens fraud prevention efforts. The problem, according to Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, was that prior reliance on knowledge-based phone authentication used widely available public information, making it vulnerable to exploitation.

Additional Resources

For additional reading about Social Security, check out the following articles:

• Are Social Security Benefits Taxed?
• Can I Collect Social Security and Still Work?